Coal Mine Workers’ Health Scheme
Onsite CMWHS (Coal Board Medical) Services
Boncentric has extensive experience delivering onsite Coal Mine Workers’ Health Scheme (CMWHS) medical services to coal mines across Queensland.
This program leverages a sophisticated software system that provides end-to-end project management and we bring all the necessary medical equipment directly to your site with a range of mobile options available. Our CMWHS assessments include a dual-read ILO Chest X-ray, spirometry, audiometry, vision testing and a thorough physical examination with an experienced Examining Medical Officer (EMO).
For coal mine workers who show abnormal findings during their baseline CMWHS medical, Boncentric can facilitate further investigations as per the Resources Safety & Health Queensland (RSHQ) Clinical Pathways Guidelines. These investigations may include a complex lung function testing, HRCT scan and / or consultation with a respiratory specialist to confirm or exclude dust-related lung diseases.
Boncentric is an RSHQ-accredited spirometry practice and works with similarly accredited radiology providers to ensure the highest standards of respiratory testing for coal mine workers. Our Examining Medical Officers (EMOs) and Appointed Medical Advisers (AMAs) are approved providers with RSHQ, supported by senior specialists in radiology, occupational health, and respiratory medicine. These experts bring extensive experience in dust-related lung diseases, strengthening the quality and reliability of our CMWHS program.
Advantages of partnering with Boncentric for Onsite Coal Board Medical Services:
- All-in-One Service: A comprehensive, “one-stop-shop” solution for coal board medical screenings at your site.
- Cost and Time Efficiency: Reduce travel expenses and minimize productivity loss by providing respiratory medicals directly onsite.
- Custom Software Advantage: Benefit from bespoke software that enhances administrative efficiency, clinical quality and reporting.
- Experienced Clinical Team: Access a team with extensive experience in occupational and respiratory health.
- Trusted Expertise: Partner with a provider that has overseen more than 10,000 respiratory medicals.
What is the Coal Mine Workers’ Health Scheme (CMWHS)?
The Coal Mine Workers’ Health Scheme safeguards the health of Queensland coal mine workers by mandating regular health assessments. These assessments are required upon entry into the industry and at least every five years while employed. Employers in Queensland are responsible for arranging and covering the costs of health assessments for each coal mine worker they employ or plan to employ.
A CMWHS Health Assessment includes the following components:
- ILO chest X-ray
- Spirometry test
- Respiratory questionnaire
- Medical history questionnaire
- Hearing test
- Vision test
- Urinalysis
- Skin examination
- Cardiovascular examination
- Musculoskeletal examination
- Abdomen examination
- Specialist follow-up tests if required
Who is eligible to complete a CMWHS medical?
- New coal mine workers before they start work in the industry
- Current coal mine workers (required every 5 years)
- Mine rescue personnel (required every 1 or 2 years depending on age)
- Exiting coal mine workers
- Retired / former coal mine workers*
* Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ) covers the cost of comprehensive lung checks for eligible retired and former coal mine workers. To confirm your eligibility contact the Mine Dust Health Support Service at 1300 445 715 or info@minedusthealthsupport.com. For more information about this program visit: RSHQ Former Worker Assessment Program.
What is involved in a CMWHS medical?
Section 1 (Employer): The employer is responsible for arranging the CMWHS health assessment and completing Section 1 of the assessment form. This section includes information about the employer’s Appointed Medical Adviser (AMA), the worker’s role or position at the site, similar exposure groups, and any specific employment-related risks. During this process, the employer can apply for a Lungscreen ID, or Boncentric can handle this on your behalf. Coal mine workers can also obtain a Lungscreen ID free of charge here.
Section 2 (Worker): The coal mine worker completes the Worker Section, which includes personal details and their work and medical history. This information remains confidential and is not shared with the employer.
Section 3 (Examination): This section is completed by the Examining Medical Officer (EMO) and includes assessment details and clinical findings. As part of the health assessment, the worker must undergo a chest X-ray following the “ILO Classification” international standard, along with a respiratory questionnaire, spirometry test, and other fitness-for-duty components. This section is also not shared with the employer.
Section 4 (Assessment): Once Section 3 is complete, the health assessment results are sent to the employer’s AMA. The AMA reviews Section 3 to determine the worker’s fitness for duty, necessary work restrictions, and any additional investigations needed. This information is documented in Section 4, which the AMA completes only after all examinations are finished, including the ILO Chest X-ray and spirometry. This is the only section that is provided to the employer.
Worker Privacy
Boncentric prioritises employee confidentiality. Medical records are safeguarded under the Australian Privacy Act 1988 and the confidentiality provisions of Section 52 of the Coal Mining Safety and Health Regulation 2017.
Only Section 4 of the health assessment can be shared with the employer unless the employee provides explicit consent. Employees can also obtain a copy of their health assessment records by submitting a written request to the RSHQ Health Surveillance Unit (HSU). The AMA may disclose health assessment records to other parties only in specific circumstances permitted by the Regulation, and with the employee’s written consent, unless it is an emergency situation.
CMWHS Assessment Service Locations
As a mobile service provider, Boncentric has the capacity to perform onsite CMWHS services in the following locations:
- Bowen Basin
- Surat Basin
- Tarong Basin
- Callide Basin
- Galilee Basin
- North West Minerals Province
- Opal and gem fields in the West and South West of Queensland
- North Queensland gold fields
In delivering CMWHS services, Boncentric prioritises regional Queensland locations where access to health assessment services is limited. Our efforts are concentrated on areas with the greatest need, considering mine locations, worker populations, and regions with restricted access to approved RSHQ providers.
Appointed Medical Advisers (AMA)
As part of the CMWHS health assessment, employers must designate an Appointed Medical Adviser (AMA). The AMA is responsible for conducting, overseeing, and reporting on health assessments and exit examinations for coal mine workers.
Boncentric can collaborate with your current AMA to deliver specific onsite services, such as radiology, spirometry, and more, based on the needs of your site, or to provide all required examination components under CMWHS guidelines.
Alternatively, Boncentric can offer the services of our AMAs who are leaders in their field and meet all qualifications and experience standards for assessing coal mine workers.
If you prefer us to partner with your existing AMA or would like to appoint one of Boncentric’s physicians as your site’s AMA, please reach out to us.
Companies We've Supported
Participant Testimonials
Current Coal Mine Worker Great service for remote areas.
Current Coal Mine Worker Very professional, friendly and understanding.
Current Coal Mine Worker I found that the staff were very professional and the quality of the service and equipment was top class.
Current Coal Mine Worker All the staff were awesome on the day I was there.
Current Coal Mine Worker Very well run and a great service. Keep up the great work.
Current Coal Mine Worker Very professional in their approach to making you feel at ease. Medical was conducted at my work site which eliminated travel.
Current Coal Mine Worker Very courteous and professional.